Discussion
These findings indicate a range of gaps in the
women’s understanding of lifestyle and diet
to prevent GDM. Misconceptions centred
around the cause of GDM, lifestyle risk
factors, the effect of GDM on mother and
baby, the meaning of a healthy diet, views of
recommended physical activity and frequency,
and the role these measures play in the
prevention of GDM. Participants in this study
knew that GDM was related to high blood
sugar levels and although this is a dominant
feature in the diagnosis of GDM, most women
were unaware of any other factors related to
GDM and were unable to elaborate on any
lifestyle risk factors, genetic predisposition
or physiological cause of GDM.